Researchers from Bochum University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences and Arts and Dortmund University of Applied Sciences have jointly developed a comprehensive, integrative sustainability concept for the International Garden Exhibition (IGA) 2027 in the Ruhr region. The research and transfer project, funded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU), was presented to the public for the first time on June 27, 2025 at the annual conference of the Fair Metropole Ruhr and is intended to serve as a source of inspiration and a model for sustainable action in the context of garden shows and other major events.
The IGA 2027 itself is designed as a large-scale, decentralized garden show that extends over numerous locations throughout the Ruhr area. The focus will be on three so-called Future Gardens in Duisburg, Gelsenkirchen and Dortmund, which will be complemented by the ecological upgrading and networking of over 30 existing green spaces. An innovative urban gardening approach also invites citizens to actively help shape their own projects and thus become part of the transformation.
"The International Garden Exhibition 2027 marks the start of a new chapter in sustainable urban and regional development. Garden shows have the potential to combine ecological, social and economic sustainability - if they are planned holistically and at an early stage," explains Prof. Dr. Stephan Sommer, sustainability expert at Bochum University of Applied Sciences and head of the research and transfer project. "Our aim is not only to address sustainability, but also to make it visible and tangible through concrete measures in the planning and operating process."
Six central fields of action
The concept is based on six central fields of action: Resource and climate protection, circular economy and subsequent use, mobility, sustainable procurement, education for sustainable development and communication and participation. These are used both for ecological and social assessment and to derive specific measures for planning, operation and subsequent use.
Specific recommendations for action include the reduction of giveaways, the use of local suppliers, waste reduction and the promotion of public transport and rental bicycles. The use of renewable energies is also an important step towards achieving greater sustainability at major events, according to the concept.
In addition to infrastructural and organizational measures, the concept highlights the importance of the IGA 2027 as a place to learn and experience sustainability. Educational formats, transparent communication of sustainability goals and the early involvement of social stakeholders - from administration to business and civil society - are essential to promote broad awareness and commitment to sustainable action.
Fachhochschule Dortmund is the first public welfare-oriented university in North Rhine-Westphalia and focuses on social sustainability in teaching, research and transfer. Sebastian Kreimer (M.A.) wrote the chapter on sustainability communication and participation in the sustainability concept as a member of the environmental psychology working group and CSR manager. The focus was on the participation of all and a globally and locally socially just implementation of the IGA 2027 Ruhr Area.